BRATTLEBORO-The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) presents the inaugural Vermont Circus Festival, set to transform the streets of Brattleboro into a celebration of circus arts from Nov. 2–9. They invite local businesses and organizations to join the planning.
According to a news release, the Vermont Circus Festival "will be a regional event with an international draw framed around circus performances, workshops, seminars and pop-up activities in and around Brattleboro. By sharing the magic of this art form, NECCA aims to strengthen community connections, inspire creativity, and bring cultural and economic vibrancy to the region."
The seed of the festival began as an annual weekend of circus activities put on by NECCA for the past 15 years. This year, NECCA rebranded the experience into the Vermont Circus Festival and expanded the event by bringing a professional guest company to perform. They will be adding a variety of activities beyond the walls of NECCA's trapezium to interest circus practitioners, audiences, and fans alike.
NECCA's Producing Director Serenity Smith Forchion said that there "is seriousness behind the silly" in making this festival happen.
"Let's change the narrative about what is happening in Brattleboro so the news is about fun and real clowns rather than just the hardships our town is navigating, while also helping to address those hardships," she said. "The festival will likely draw 200-plus participants who bring economic vibrancy to the hotels, restaurants, and stores in town. We hope there is a positive impact for the town at a season when there is a lull after the fall season leaf tourists leave."
The Vermont Circus Festival promises something for everyone. Families can enjoy the thrill of live circus shows. Recreational students can join in for fun and engaging learning experiences. Professional artists will have opportunities to teach, train, perform, and build community.
In addition to more than 60 workshops that draw active participants from around the world, there will be free activities in the community.
They include circus classes at NECCA for youth and adults, "Clowns on Ice" at the Nelson Withington Skating Facility, a circus-themed book reading discussion at Brooks Memorial Library, a circus painting exhibit and art discussion featuring former circus performer and artist Karen Gersch at 118 Elliot, a "History of Circus in Vermont" seminar with Circus Smirkus founder Rob Mermin, Silver Circus classes for age 50 and above, a "Directing for Circus" roundtable with internationally recognized directors, a Gallery Walk "Clown Crawl," figure drawing with acrobat models at The Drawing Studio, and student shows at area retirement homes.
Three shows will grace the stage at NECCA's trapezium featuring guest company Parallel Exit's new show "I'll Take It" on Friday, Nov. 7, an Alumni Cabaret on Saturday, Nov. 8, and a Beta Night Open Stage on Sunday, Nov. 9.
For more information, contact NECCA at [email protected] or visit necenterforcircusarts.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.